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§3455. Overhead electrical Hazards

(a) Where high-voltage electrical lines pass over, through or along planted areas or orchards, the supervisor or person in charge of work crews shall inspect the work area to determine if the high-voltage lines are located in areas that may expose employees to electrical hazards.

(b) Electrically conductive poles shall not be used for fruit picking or nut-knocking. Employees using other conductive tools or equipment to perform duties such as pruning, harvesting and the handling of irrigation pipe in areas where such tools or equipment could come into contact with overhead high-voltage electrical lines shall not be assigned such work until they are instructed in the hazards associated with working in proximity to energized high-voltage electrical lines (i.e., serious bodily injury or death from accidental contact or near-contact with energized electrical lines). The instruction shall include the use of tools, equipment and work practices necessary to perform work safely and maintain the appropriate clearances specified in subsection (c).

(c) The clearance distances contained in Article 37, Tables 1 and 2 of the High-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders shall be maintained when placing or moving irrigation piping, and when employees use tools, ladders, machinery, or other equipment and materials that could come into contact with high-voltage lines.